HELP out AROUND THE FARM!

Spitalfields City Farm was originally set up by volunteers in 1978 and we still rely on volunteers today to help maintain the farm and gardens, look after the animals and assist in delivering projects. In short, without volunteers there would be no farm. At Spitalfields City Farm we work with a vibrant and multicultural community to provide voluntary and educational opportunities to empower people to gain new skills and confidence; our vision is to create an inclusive space for all, that empowers people to make positive change to their lives, our community and the planet.

We are committed to supporting our volunteers to develop their skills, knowledge and experience. We offer a number of voluntary experiences outlined below. It’s easy to sign up and we hope to see you soon!

For employee volunteering and corporate team building, please see our dedicated Team Challenges page.

VOLUNTEER's SCHEDULE

VOLUNTEERS OVER 18 years

Volunteering sessions run Monday to Saturday | Full day: 10.00am – 4.00pm. Half day: 10.00am-1.00pm/1.00pm-4.00pm.


Please note, our individual volunteers are encouraged to commit to 6 months of volunteering.

We currently have limited availability for new volunteers.

Outdoor Education Volunteer

We celebrate our ability to provide access to a slice of the countryside to children and young people. Our education programme is designed to support curriculum learning, bringing lessons around food, animals and nature to life.We need support to deliver this programme. You will work alongside the education team supporting them to facilitate tours, workshops and holiday activities.

This role is varied and will give you the opportunity to learn about all aspects of the farm whilst developing skills for working with children and young people through hands on practical experiences. Please note this role will require an enhanced DBS check.

To sign up please read the Outdoor Education Volunteer specification below and request an application form via volunteer@spitalfieldscityfarm.org or visit the farm in person.

Garden and Growth VOLUNTEER

Volunteers are involved in all aspects of cultivating the vegetable garden and some tasks are more hard work than others. We have space to grow food, learn about practical horticulture and sustainable growing methods. We hold gardening sessions daily. To sign up please read the Garden and Growth specification below and request an application form via volunteer@spitalfieldscityfarm.org or visit the farm in person.

আবেদনপত্র বাংলায় পাওয়া যায়।

Coriander Club (Female only)

Founded in 2000 and led by our resident gardening expert Lutfun, the Coriander Club is a female only group session on Tuesday mornings from 10am. This session is in English and Bengali; speciality produce is grown including Naga chili, Kodu and Aramanth. The club provides a regular opportunity to socialise with other women, learn to grow vegetables and how to cook them.

To sign up please read the Garden and Growth role description below and request an application form via volunteer@spitalfieldscityfarm.org or visit the farm in person. আবেদনপত্র বাংলায় পাওয়া যায়।

Maintenance and Site Development volunteer

Volunteers help us maintain the farm. We need support with a wide range of tasks including painting, perimeter repairs to keep our animals safe, preparation and development of new areas of the farm. You will work alongside our team and learn about practical tool use, design and general farm management. If you are interested in helping us maintain the farm and you are handy with a drill and a paint brush please read the Maintenance and Site Management role description and request an application form via volunteer@spitalfieldscityfarm.org or visit the farm in person.

Farmyard and Animal Care Volunteer

Volunteers are essential for the running of our farmyard, we need support with feeding, mucking out and tending to our animals behavioural and healthcare needs. As a Farmyard and Animal Care volunteer you will work alongside our team and learn about best practice animal welfare and farmyard management.

If you are interested in helping us to care for our beloved animals please read the Farmyard and Animal Care role description and request an application form via volunteer@spitalfieldscityfarm.org or visit the farm in person.

We’re not currently taking on new Farmyard and Animal Care Volunteers, however you can still apply and we will contact you when positions become available. 

Employee TEAM BUILDING

Looking for group volunteer days for your organisation? Please see our dedicated Team Challenges page.

Please note, we do not offer one-off volunteer sessions for individual employees.

If you have any difficulty completing the application form or would like further information before applying, please contact Ursula, the Volunteer and Community Outreach manager: volunteer@spitalfieldscityfarm.org,
020 7247 8762 or visit the Farm in person, Tuesday- Sunday 10:00-16:00.

We may close applications early if we fill the posts, so do apply as soon as you can.

For other ‘green jobs’ see environmentjob.co.uk

For other food growing related jobs see www.rootstowork.org

For more local opportunities see Volunteer Centre Tower Hamlets www.vcth.org.uk

For other roles in the Charity Sector see www.charityjob.co.uk

VOLUNTEERING Photos

Click on photos to view them in full!

Meet our Volunteers

Name: Sheila

Role: Farmyard and Garden Volunteer.

How long have you been volunteering with Spitalfields City Farm and why did you start?

I’ve been volunteering for just over 2 years, following taking early retirement from working for The City of London.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering at the Farm?

I like being outside and seeing the seasons change. Even Winter has charm on the farm.

What have you learnt while volunteering at the farm?

I’m not the most practical person, so it’s been interesting to learn more about the animals being looked after in the farmyard. For example, how to keep them cool in this hot weather. On the gardening side, I’ve just completed a City & Guilds Organic Gardening course, and enjoy being able to apply a little more knowledge.

Do you have a favourite animal and why?

How can I choose? They are all adorable, but Holmes does greet me every time I see him.

What do you recommend that other people try at the Farm?

There’s always jobs that needs doing on the farm. Tasks often alter due to the seasons, so you’re never bored. It’s also a good thing to push yourself outside of your comfort zone now and then by learning new things.

Is there anything you would like to see more of?

More information about the history of the farm would be fascinating.

What three words would you use to describe the farm?

Captivating, inclusive, unpredictable.